Rod Fishing Licence

A rod fishing licence is a legal requirement from the Environment Agency (England) and Natural Resources Wales (Wales). You need one to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater (coarse) fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line in England (except the River Tweed), Wales and the Border Esk region. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different systems.

Anyone aged 13 or over fishing for those species in England, Wales or the Border Esk region, including on private lakes, day-ticket waters and club stretches. Children under 13 do not need a licence. Juniors aged 13 to 16 need a licence, but it is free. A carer who is not fishing themselves does not need one. Sea fishing usually does not need a rod licence, but fishing for salmon, sea trout or eel in estuaries can.

It lets you fish legally with a rod and line in England and Wales for the species covered by your licence type, using up to 2 rods (or 3 rods for coarse fish with the 3-rod licence). It does not give you permission to fish any particular water: you still need permission from the landowner or fishery, usually a day ticket, permit or club membership.

1. Choose your licence type: trout and coarse, or salmon and sea trout.
2. Choose the length: 1-day, 8-day or 12-month.
3. Buy it online on GOV.UK. You can also buy by phone or at a Post Office.
4. Carry your licence details when fishing. You may be asked to show it.
5. Get separate permission (ticket, permit or club membership) for the water you plan to fish.

• Your name, address and date of birth
• A debit or credit card
• Your National Insurance number if you are claiming a disabled (PIP or DLA) concession on a 12-month licence
• The other person's details if you are buying for someone else

Prices from GOV.UK for England and Wales. Fishery tickets and club fees are extra. Fees can change, so check the official source.

Usually available straight away when bought online. A licence can be bought up to 30 days before it starts.

Processing times are estimates and are not guaranteed.

Short licences last 1 or 8 days. A 12-month licence lasts a year from its start date and must be bought again each year. You can renew on GOV.UK.

• You can be fined up to £2,500 for fishing without a valid licence.
• Follow national and local fishing byelaws, including close seasons and permitted methods.
• Always get permission from the landowner or fishery as well.
• Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules and permissions.

Always apply directly with the official authority (GOV.UK (Environment Agency / Natural Resources Wales)).

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